as it was initially

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "as it was initially" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to refer to something in its original state or form, often in contrast to how it has changed over time. Example: "The project was successful, but we need to revert to the design as it was initially to meet the client's expectations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

The F-4's biggest weakness, as it was initially designed, was its lack of an internal cannon.

Wikipedia

First, Kuhn's notion of incommensurability as it was initially developed is characterized, as is its cause and its purported consequences.

SEP

Some, as evident by comments on Chamberlain's initial post, feel the group as it was initially conceived was good enough, a small but expanding corner of the internet for the exchange of stories and methods of resistance.

Vice

The design of this device is presented in Fig. 21(a) as it was initially employed to decelerate beams of H atoms from initial longitudinal speeds of ∼600 m/s.

EPJ Techniques and Instrumentation

Just as it was, initially, for the two lovers.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Philharmonic Hall, as it was initially called, did not turn out well.

The New York Times

Its publication last year marked the centenary of the crossword – or "Word-Cross" as it was initially called.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

4 human-written examples

However, it is clear that the Iron Dome radar tracking and guidance system is not working, as it is initially sending Iron Dome interceptors to intercept points that then result in the interceptor not being able to achieve the right geometry for a successful engagement against the artillery rockets.

MIT Technology Review

Especially as it is initially thought by some of the characters that the Iron Giant is of Russian design, when clearly it is extraterrestrial in origin.

Forbes

The voltage on the lower side in Fig. 7c of the converter supplies the battery as it is initially being controlled by the PV supply.

Renewables: Wind, Water, and Solar

In contrast, peripheral DSpd-2-GFP fluorescence recovery exhibits a very unusual behaviour as it is initially slow and then speeds up over time.

eLife

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When precision is key, ensure "as it was initially" is followed by a clear explanation of the initial state being referenced to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid using "as it was initially" when the context already implies the initial state. For instance, instead of saying "The prototype, as it was initially built, was fragile," simply state, "The initial prototype was fragile".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "as it was initially" functions as an adverbial phrase, modifying a verb or clause to provide information about the state of something at the beginning. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

43%

Science

33%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Academia

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "as it was initially" is a versatile adverbial phrase used to highlight the original state of something before changes occurred. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and widely used across various domains. While very common in News & Media and Science, it is crucial to avoid redundancy and ensure clarity when contrasting past and present states. For alternatives, consider "in its original form" or "originally". Proper use of "as it was initially" enhances clarity and provides context for understanding the evolution of a subject.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in its original form

Focuses on the state of being in the beginning.

in its initial state

Emphasizes the condition or situation at the start.

as it originally appeared

Highlights the visual or presentational aspect at the beginning.

as it began

Simplifies the phrase to focus on the starting point.

at the outset

Indicates the very beginning of something.

at first

A more concise way of saying initially.

in the beginning

Stresses the commencement of an event or process.

when it started

Focuses on the starting point of a process or project.

in its infancy

Implies the early stages of development.

originally

A single-word adverb conveying the same meaning.

FAQs

How can I use "as it was initially" in a sentence?

You can use "as it was initially" to describe the original state or form of something before it underwent changes. For example: "The software, as it was initially designed, lacked key security features."

What phrases are similar to "as it was initially"?

Alternatives to "as it was initially" include "in its original form", "in its initial state", or "originally", depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "as it was initially" and "as it is currently"?

"As it was initially" refers to a past state, whereas "as it is currently" describes the present state. Using both can highlight the changes that have occurred over time.

When is it best to use "as it was initially" versus simply "originally"?

While "originally" can often replace "as it was initially", the latter is more appropriate when you want to emphasize a specific aspect or feature of the initial state. "The plan, "as it was initially", included three phases, but it has since been revised versus The plan originally included three phases."